THRreports veteran actor Christopher Walken and Elizabeth Debicki are set to star in the upcoming The Burnt Orange Heresy. The neo-noir thriller is based on the cult novel by Charles Willeford about an art world scam gone wrong with a screenplay from Oscar-nominated writer Scott. B. Smith (A Simple Plan).

THR provided a description of the film that will surely appeal to any fans of heists involving high-end merchandise:

“Set in Italy in 1970, The Burnt Orange Heresy follows the story of irresistibly charismatic art critic James Figueras (yet to be cast), who hooks up with provocative and alluring fellow American, Berenice Hollis (Debicki). He’s a classic anti-hero in the making with a charm that masks his deep ambition, whilst she’s an innocent touring Europe, enjoying the freedom of being whoever she wishes. The new lovers travel to the lavish and opulent Lake Como estate of art collecting lawyer, Cassidy. Their host reveals she’s the patron of Jerome Debney (Walken), the reclusive J.D. Salinger of the art world, and she has a simple request: for James to steal a new Debney masterpiece from the artist’s studio, whatever the cost… As the couple spend time with the legendary Debney they start to realize that nothing about both the artist and their mission is what it seems. But James is a man of deep, lurking ambition and he will do anything, from arson and burglary to murder, to further his career.”

There are plenty of talented individuals behind the scenes working on the film as well with three-time BAFTA-nominated William Horberg (The Kite Runner, Cold Mountain, The Talented Mr. Ripley) set to produce through his Wonderful Films banner alongside Oscar-nominated David Lancaster (Nightcrawler) and David Zander (Spring Breakers). Stephanie Wilcox and Aeysha Walsh will executive produce.

The Burnt Orange Heresy is currently in pre-production with production set to begin in Italy this summer.

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